WO2012170074A2

WO2012170074A2 - Resource scheduling method and system for use with computer directed assembly and manufacture

Info

Publication number: WO2012170074A2
Application number: PCT/US2012/000277
Authority: WO
Inventors: Balbir RATAUL
Original assignee: Rataul Balbir
Priority date: 2011-06-06
Filing date: 2012-06-06
Publication date: 2012-12-13
Also published as: US20120310693A1; US20120310398A1; WO2012170076A1; MY193783A; WO2012170077A3; MY185001A; US9535418B2; WO2012170073A1; US9329594B2; US20120308984A1; US20120308969A1; MY164178A; MY186462A; US20130144416A1; US20160209836A1; WO2012170592A2; WO2012170075A1; US20120310397A1; WO2012170592A3; WO2012170077A2

Abstract

Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for determining a manufacturing capacity at a facility with assemblers performing assembly instructions in a computer directed assembly (CDA) system. Determining a manufacturing capacity includes selecting a production time interval for a product assembled using a sequence of assembly instructions. A scheduler system identifies assemblers available during the timeframe that have been trained and have performed the sequence of assembly instructions. Once this set of assemblers is identified, the scheduler projects an individual capacity for each assembler in the set of assemblers to perform the sequence of assembly instructions during the production time interval. The projected individual capacity is projected based on historical assembly performance data for each assembler stored in an assembly record database. The manufacturing capacity i s then generated by aggregating the projected individual capacity for each assembler to perform the sequence of assembly instructions over the production time interval.

Description

RESOU RCE SCHEDULING METHOD AN D SYSTEM FOR USE WITH COMPUTER DIRECTED ASSEMBLY AND MANUFACTU RE

(1) Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[001 ] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/493,958, filed June 6, 2011, entitled, "MANUFACTURING VERIFICATION

METHOD AN D SYSTEM" by Balbir S. RATAUL, assigned to the assignee of this application and incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. The subject matter of this application further relates to the subject matter of the following commonly assigned applications being filed on the same day a s the present application : (1) U.S. Ser. No. 13/ , , Attorney Docket 00163-

OOOlOOOOOPCTentitled, "COMPUTER DIRECTED ASSEMBLY METHOD AND SYSTEM

FOR MANUFACTURI NG"; (2) U.S. Ser. No. 13/ , , Attorney Docket 00163-

000200000PCTentitled, "VERIFICATION METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR USE IN COMPUTER DIRECTED ASSEMBLY AND MANUFACTU RE"; (3) U.S. Ser. No.

13/ , , Attorney Docket 00163-000400000PCT entitled, "SYSTEM AND

METHOD FOR MANAGING TOOL CALIBRATION IN COMPUTER DIRECTED ASSEMBLY

AND MANUFACTURING"; (4) U.S. Ser. No. 13/ , , Attorney Docket 00163-

000500000PCT entitled, "INTERFACE METHOD AN D SYSTEM FOR USE WITH COMPUTER DIRECTED ASSEMBLY AND MANUFACTURING"; (5) U.S. Ser. No.

13/ , , Attorney Docket 00163-000600000PCT entitled, "TRAINING

ENSURANCE METHOD AN D SYSTEM FOR COMPUTER DIRECTED ASSEMBLY AN D MANUFACTURING"; (6) U.S. Ser. No. 13/ , , Attorney Docket 00163-

000700000PCT entitled, "RESOURCE SCHEDULING METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR USE WITH COMPUTER DIRECTED ASSEMBLY AND MANUFACTURE". Each of the above- referenced patent applications is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

(2 Technical Field

[002] The subject matter described herein relates to systems and methods used in a manufacturing process. More particularly, the subject matter describ ed herein relates to methods and systems for using determining a manufacturing capacity using historica l performance data kept on performing individual assembly

instructions necessary to make a manufactured product.

(3) Description of the Related Art

[003 ] A great deal of modern devices and equipment continue to be

manufactured using manual assembly. I ncreasingly, complex mechanical, electrical, and electro-mechanical designs having relatively smal l dimensions require skilled and trained assemblers to perform a va riety of assembly tasks, some done directly with their hands or with the assistance of a variety of precision hand tools. This type of manufacturing is often deemed light manufacturing as it involves applying a certain degree of human skill and know-how to combine fasteners, connectors, and other materials in the creation of the final manufactured product. Light

manufacturing and manual assembly are also often preferred for smaller production runs when costs associated with automation and retooling cannot be amortized over the production run time frame while maintaining profit margins. [004] To help reduce human error and other mistakes, conventional light manufacturing methods incorporate a " Manufacturing Process Instruction" (MPI) document in either a hard-copy form or displayed on a computer monitor that each assembler refers to during the assembly process. The MPI may be created by a manufactu rer to provide specific instructions for the assembly of a wide-range of products from computers, household electronics, communication equipment, or even sophisticated medical equipment. In each of these categories, the quality and consistency of the final product produced depends on whether the person involved with assembling an assembly or su bassemblies actually understands and accurately follows the instructions within the MPI.

[005 ] Since the MPI does not actually control the act of assembling products, product quality may be inconsistent or lower than desired . An assembler may initially follow every step of the MPI document to produce high quality products but later deviate from the MPI instructions and produce products with defects or other problems. In another scenario, an assembler may follow his own assembly sequence and, as needed, flip through the MPI document as an occasional reference. Products assembled in this latter approach may be of consistent but overall lower quality if the approach taken by the assembler consistently skips steps or takes unacceptable shortcuts.

[006] The lack of controls and accou ntability associated with the MPI document also makes it difficult to track down and find the source of a problem. This is especially true if there are many sub-assemblies or components that makeu p the overall manufactured products. Indeed, checklists may be used in conjunction with the MPI document to query the assembler and verify whether instructions in the MPI document were taken . Once again, the assembler may not answer or inaccurately answer questions in the checklist thus circumnavigating the quality control checkpoints provided.

SUMMARY

[007] Aspects of the disclosure provide methods, systems, and computer program products for determining a manufacturing capacity for a product created using a computer directed assembly system. Generally, a product designer or engineer develops a product an d then creates the assembly instru ctions in accordance with the present invention to assemble the product. Assemblers use these assembly instructions to guide the manual assembly of materials, components and other parts into the final product. In accordance with some embodiments, he assembler executes these assembly instructions on a specially equipped computer directed assembly (CDA) workstation as described herein to ensure the products are produced both quickly and with the highest quality.

[008] To accurately provide a manufacturing capacity, some embodiments record an assembler's individual performance for a set of assembly instruction and then aggregate this data across a set of assemblers at a manufacturing facility. As disclosed herein, a scheduler system increases the accuracy and reliability of providing the manufacturing capacity for any given production time interval using detailed historical performance data that includes timing to perform each assembly instruction when making a produ ct. Initially, the request for a manufacturing capacity includes a production time interval for assembling the product. The time interval may be set to a time frame required by a cu stomer or other party requesting the products to be manufactured. Determining manufacturing capacity for a product requires the product to be assembled using a sequence of assembly instructions from the computer directed assembly syste m. The scheduler system identifies a set of assemblers available during the production time interval that have been trained and have performed the sequence of assembly instructions associated with assembling the product while using the computer directed assembly system. Once this set of assemblers is identified, the scheduler projects an individual capacity for each assembler in the set of assemblers to perform the sequence of assembly instructions during the production time interval. In some embodiments, the projected individual capacity depends on using historical assembly performance data for each assembler stored in an assembly record database. The manufacturing capacity is then generated by aggrega ting the projected individual capacity for each assembler to perform the sequence of assembly instructions over the production time interval.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[009] FIG. 1 is a high level block diagra m illustrating an exemplary development process of taking a product from conceptual design to manufacture in accordance with some embodiments;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary computer directed assembly workstation for building and verifying assemblies in accordance with some embodiments;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a flow chart diagram associated with creating a sequence of assembly operations for use on a computerized assembly workstation in accordance with some embodiments;

[0012] FIG. 4 is yet another flow chart diagram for using multimedia assembly data along with a sequence of assembly operations for guiding the use of matrix trays and insertable shims in accordance with some embodiments;

[0013] FIG. 5 is another flow chart diagram outlining an exempla ry training verification operations performed in accordance with some embodiments prior to providing an assembler authorization to perform an instruction associated with an assembly operation; [0014] FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary computer implemented user interface for interacting with a sequence of assembly operations in accordance with some embodiments;

[0015] FIG. 6B is a schematic diag ram of an exemplary matrix tray with multiple insertable shims and a variety of pockets for materials in accordance with some embodiments;

[0016] FIGS. 7A-7B are additional flowchart diagrams outlining exemplary interaction s associated with performing the assembly operations on a computer directed assembly workstation in accordance with some embodiments;

[0017] FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computer device used in generating and performing computerized assembly operations in

accordance with some embodiments;

[0018] FIG. 9A schematically il lustrates an overview of exemplary operations for determining a manufactu ring capacity for a product created u sing a computer directed assembly system in accordance with some embodiments; and

[0019] FIG. 9B is a flowchart diag ram providing exemplary operations for determining a manufacturing ca pacity for a product created u sing a computer directed assembly system in accordance with some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] In the following detailed descri ption, for purposes of explanation , numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments of the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that these various embodiments of the present invention are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Other embodiments of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0021] In addition, for clarity purpose s, not all of the routine features of the embodiments descri bed herein are shown or described. One of ordinary skill in the art would readily appreciate that in the development of any such actual

implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions may be required to achieve specific design objectives. These design objectives will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine engineering undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0022] A computer directed assembly method and system d esigned in

accorda nce with embodiments of the present invention offers many advantages and benefits, some of these advantages include one or more of the following.

Generating the assembly operations for assembl ing a component may be tailored to the address specific a ssembly requirements in each particular design. If an assembly is complex with strict tolerances, the designer or manufacturing engineer may decide to incorporate more discrete assembly operations or steps to ensure the assembly is put together correctly and completely. The assembly operations may incorporate different types of multimedia content including imag es, videos, text, and audio to convey the specific steps necessary to complete an operation accurately and efficiently.

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention maintain control over the assembly process and ensure each step of the assembly is performed in sequence. Assembly operations for a component are presented in order and recorded as both a history of the component being assembled and the task performed by the assembler.

Recording the assembly operations serves to create a permanent record while encouraging the assembler to follow the assembly routine. To confirm that a component is being assembled according to plan, some embodiments include verification steps that record images, video, audio, or other multimedia data of the component as it is assembled. I n some embodiments the multimedia data creates a permanent record and a traceable sequence of events available if the assembly record needs later review. In other embodiments, verification steps may further include comparing a predetermined image of a previously assembled component with an image ta ken of an "in-use" component being assembled. Embodiments may alternatively use image processing routines to perform an immediate and direct comparison between a predetermined image of an assembly and the in-use image of a part or other component "in-use" and being assembled.

[0024] Keeping tools used in the assembly process properl y calibrated keeps the quality of assembled components and products high. If a tool is deemed needing calibration, embodiments of the present invention disallow its use during assembly without further human intervention. Since the computer directed assembly system checks calibration each assembly instruction, the assembler knows rig ht away to stop using a tool marked for calibration or replacement. This eliminates the chance that a miscalibrated tool will introduce an assembly related error into a component even for a single assembly instruction. Detailed database records tracki ng the calibration of each tool adds another checkpoint for demonstrating the level of quality and detail the computer directed assembly systems is capab le of delivering.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a high level block diagra m illustrating an exemplary development process for a manufactured product from conceptual design to manufacture in accordance with some embodiments. This development process illustrated in FIG. 1 provides one exemplary developmental process where the computer directed assembly processing desig ned in accordance with some embodiments can be used. Other development processes may a lso be used in other embodiments as well. For example, these other development processes may include greater or fewer steps than illustrated in FIG. 1 or may combine several of the steps in FIG. 1 together or may expand certain steps in FIG. 1 into additiona l substeps. [0026] Referring to FIG. 1, the development process for a product generally starts with a conceptual design and prototype 102. In the earliest stage of product development, a person or team of people have an idea and decide if the idea can be turned into a product. Next, sketches of the product are either drawn by hand or using computer aided design (CAD) or similar tools. The design may be tested using simulation tools to quickly determine if the product will produce a desired result under one or a variety of "what if" scenarios. If the conceptual desig n and testing is viable, an actual prototype of the product may be put together using readily available components and manual assembly techniques. Since only one or several prototypes of a product are made, cost and volume production considerations are not generally the highest concern.

[0027] During product design 104, the prototype of a product may cha nge to accommodate both design and production or requirements. Some design

requirements affecting product design 104 may include aesthetic changes in the shape of the product, a reduced form factor to make the product fit into a smaller or thinner package for production. As part of product design 104, availa bility and costs for components and materials, as well as the total costs associated with assembling and shipping the finished product should also be considered. In some embodiments, manufacture engineering 106 provides feedback to product designers concerning the costs of materials and creation of the product as proposed in product design 104. In some embodiments, manufacture engineering 106 works iteratively w ith product design 104 refining the details and influencing the direction of the final product to be produced from product design 104. For example, people involved with manufacturing engineering 106 may find that the materia ls specified to create the components for the product are too expensive or the logistics associated with acquiring the materials for the product will not meet the projected demand.

[0028] Computer directed assembly (CDA) engineering 108, in accordance with some embodiments, incorporates numerous innovative manufacturing methods and systems in the manufacture of products while meeting and meet numerous constraints. In some embodiments, CDA engineering 108 includes multiple disciplines from industrial engineering, human factors, computer science, tooling and other areas to improve light-assembly of products with increased efficiencies, including an assembly instruction sequence 116, tool usage control 118, material usage 120, assembly verification 122, and assembler training and verification 114.

[0029] In some embodiments, CDA engineering 108 creates an assembly instruction sequence 116 tailored to the specific assembly of each product. The assembly instruction sequence 116 ensures each product is assembled properly by providing an assembler a step- by-step sequence of tasks to perform. To make sure the assembler understands how to perform each assembly instruction, the computer directed assembly workstation 124 processing the assembly instruction sequence 116 may present one or more types of multimedia data including text, images, video, and audio. For example, a user interface running on the computer directed assembly workstation 124 may present text statements describing the task to be performed while corresponding images or videos may illustrate the task previously performed by a trained assembler. [0030] In the area of materia l usage 120, CDA engineering 108 specifies the location of materials in one or more pockets within a matrix tray. Pockets of each matrix tray are filled in advance with the specific mate rials to be used later by th e assembler during the assembly process. Specific predetermined images of the matrix tray and the location of materials in each pocket of the tray are specifically referenced by steps in assembly i nstruction sequence 116. This approach reduces wasted materials as all the materials in the trays should be used as specified in assembly instruction sequence 116. Leftover materials or missing material s generally may mean that the assembly was not performed correctly or certain materials were misplaced or lost.

[0031] CDA engineering 108 also includes tool usage and control 118 to make sure the proper tools are used and the assembly is completed according to specified tolerances. Tool usage control 118 incorporated in assembly instruct ion sequence 116 selects tools for the assembler, and the use of the tool and torque to apply upon a fastener may also be described and/or illustrated th rough computer directed assembly workstation 124. In accorda nce with some embodiments, computer directed assembly workstation 124 may also use tool usage control 118 combined with sensors embedded in the tools as a basis fo r determining if the tools need to be replaced or recalibrated. Power tools not replaced or calibrated as specified in tool usage control 118 cannot be used for further assembly tasks on computer directed assembly workstation 124.

[0032] Assembly training and verification 114 is another novel component of CDA engineering 108 in accordance with some embodiments. As new products and corresponding assembly methods are created, assemblers must make sure they are trained and capable of performing the assembly tasks both efficiently and accurately. CDA engineering 108 incorporates assembly training and verification 114 as part of a database associating each assembler's skills with specific assembly tasks used to manufacture certain products. A manufacture engineer uses assembly training and verification 114 with in CDA engineering 108 to define a prerequisite training for each step in the assembly training sequence 116. The prerequisite training is required before an assembler is allowed to perform one or several tasks in the assembly of the product. In accordance with assembly instruction sequence 116, an assembler lacking proper training indicated by database records in E P systems 112 are deemed to lack the proper training and skill and cannot continue with an assembly.

[0033] As a further control on quality, assembly verification 122 checks on the accuracy of tasks performed from assembly in struction sequence 116 in accordance with some embodiments. The manufacture engineer may incorporate assembly verification 122 through CDA engineering 108 for some or all tasks performed by the assembler; more verification generally improves the quality but may increase the time to assemble a product. In some embodiments, assembly verification 1 22 executes software instructions on the computer directed assembly workstation 124 instructing the assembler to identify where a material has been attached to a product or component and then take a photo or video of the result. Generally assembly verification 122 encourages an assembler to work more accurately as videos, images, and/or other records of assembling the product are kept as a permanent record of the assembler's work history and stored in ERP systems 112 or elsewhere.

[0034] Once a product has been assembled into a manufactured product 126, manufactured product 126 is delivered to customers 128 through normal delivery and shipping channels. In accordance with some embodiments, ERP systems 112 are enhanced with additional details on the assembly of each product th rough methods and systems associated with CDA engineering 108. I n some embodiments, records and billing associated with supply chain 130 are updated to reflect the materials used in the manufacture of a product. Specific materials taken from the supply chain 130 may also be identified, including details such as serial numbers and data of manufacture, and stored as part of the assembly records in ERP systems 112. Accordingly, ERP systems 112 and other databases en hanced in accordance with the various embodiments are of particular value to industries requiring high quality products with detailed records and traceability to specific materials and their assembly into products. For example, detailed information tracking materials and their assembly is useful in medical, military, space, aeronautical, and other industries using products that impact health and/or safety.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic block diagram illustrates an exemplary computer directed assembly wo rkstation 124 for building and verifying assemblies in accordance with some embodiments. Computer directed assembly workstation 124 is the same as referenced in FIG.l except FIG. 2 provides additional details of one configuration consistent with one embodiment. Accordingly, in some

embodiments workstation 124 includes a workbench 202, an in-use component 204 being assembled into a product, a computer device 206, a wand 208, a keyboard 210, a scan ner device 212, a display device 214, a first camera 216, a second camera 218, a headset 234, a third camera 232, a matrix tray 220 for holding materials, a network 222 such as the Internet or an intranet, and a network accessible server 224 with databases 226 including ERP databases. Computer directed assembly (CDA) software (not shown) in accordance with embodiments executes, on computer device 206 orchestrating the interaction between the assembler and the aforementioned peripherals while assembling in-use component 204 into a product. While some embodiments as ill ustrated in FIG. 2 use wired connections between computer device 206 and periph erals such as wand 208, keyboard 210, scanner device 212, display device 214, first camera 216, and second camera 218, third camera 232, headset 234 other embodiments may use wireless connections between one or more of these aforementioned peripherals and computer device 206 as they can be positioned more easily around workbench 202 and less likely to in terfere with the overall working area used for assembly.

[0036] Workbench 202 provides a su rface or area that an assembler 228 uses when performing assembly related tasks in conjunction with in-use component 204. In some embodiments, assembler 228 may place in-use component 204 directly upon workbench 202 especially if the in-use component is relatively small, lightweight, or both. In alternative embodiments, assembler 228 may place in-use component 204 next to or adjacent to workbench 202 especially if the in-use component being worked upon or final product is larger, oversized, and/or too heavy for the workbench 202. [0037] Assembler 228 may use a number of different tools or data gathering peripherals con nected to computer device 206 wh en operating a workstation 124 in accordance with some embodiments. In one embodiment, assembler 228 may move wand 208 over one or more areas of in-use component 204 to identify the area of the component being assembled or receiving various ma terials. In some embodiments, wand 208 may be approximately V2 inch in diameter and 12 to 14 inches in length and have an identifiable colored tip. Wand 208 may be equipped with different colored light emitting diodes (LEDs) and operatively cou pled to receive signals and power from computer device 206 that drive the brightness and colors emitted from the LEDs. Further embodiments of wand 208 with LEDs may be battery powered with rechargeable batteries and wirelessly co ntrolled from computer device 206 using Bluetooth, WiFi, or other suitable technology.

Alternative ly, the color of the tip of wand 208 may be painted, dyed, or set using different colored caps and function without power or control signals and thus not required to be connected with computer device 206.

[0038] As assembler 228 mo ves wand 208, CD A software may cause first camera 216 and second camera 218 to take one or more images or videos of the position of wand 208 relative to in-use component 204. First camera 216 and second camera 218 are positioned to captu re images along different axes of the plane of

workbench 202 however additional cameras may take overhead images looking down on workbench or from other perspectives of workbench 202. Third camera 232 may be a handheld, lightweight, wired or wireless device that assembler 228 can position as needed to take images of in-use component 204 being worked upon. These cameras may be industrial or consumer grade cameras with motorized lens having motorized zoom and motorized iris components in their lens and controlled through a lens controller (not shown) driving by com puter device 206. Taking images from cameras at multiple view points gives a better understanding of how the assembly took place. This is useful to later verify whether an assembly was done correctly or incorrectly. I n some embodiments, assembler 228 positions wand 208 in response to one or more assembly instructions from CDA software on workstation 124 requesting the assembler to identify a recent task or operation performed. Computer device 206 receives images and videos from first camera 216 and/or second camera 218 creating a permanent visual record of the assembly performed near the user specified portion of in-use component 204 indicated with the tip of wand 208.

[0039] CDA software further includes a user interface presented on display device 214 and capable, among its numerous features, of showing images and videos taken with first camera 216 and/o r second camera 218 to the assembler 228. Depending on the color scheme of in-use component 204, assembly

instructions may specify that the tip of wand 208 be set to a contrasting color to aid in processing images taken with first camera 216 and/or second camera 218. If wand 208 has LED lights, assembly instructions executed on computer device 206 may automatica lly change the lights on the wand's tip to a predetermined color that provides greater contrast against the color scheme of in-use component 204. For example, if in-use component 204 is a printer circuit board with a predominantly green color scheme, some embodiments may change the LED lights of wand 208 to a red or yellow color to make wand 208 more identifiable. Alternative embodiments of wand 208 may work without LEDs and electronics, instead of lights the assembler 228 may be instructed to place different colored caps over the tip of wand 208 to better identify the wand position relative to in-use component 204.

[0040] In some embodiments, assembler 228 may use a keyboard 210 to send text data and commu nicate with computer device 206, embodiments of the CDA software records these communications along with other information used during the assem bly. Text data received on computer device 206 from keyboard 210 may confirm data or respond to questions posed from one or more assembly instructions during assembly of a product. Alternatively, keyboard 210 can be used by assembler 228 to control the overall operation of workstation 124 including pausing, starting, or stopping the assembly operations driven by assembly instructions executed on workstation 124. In some embodiments, barcode scanner 212 operatively coupled to computer device 206 is used by assembler 228 for scanning bar codes, this is useful for specifically identifying material s, components, and other products used during the assembly operations.

[0041] In some embodiments, materials, pieces, or components used by assembler 228 during assembly are placed in one or more matrix trays 220. Each matrix tray 220 can be customized and transformed to hold a different quantity of materials depending on the number of shim inserts and the shape and number of the pockets within each of the shim inserts. The exact number and type of shim inserts inserted in matrix tray 220 depend on the materials being u sed du ring assembly and how the assembly instructio ns are setup. In some embodiments, assembly instructions specify the numerosity and arrangement of these shims in each matrix tray. During assembly, the instructions identify the matrix tray as we ll as the particular pocket within the matrix tray that should hold a particular material. Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary matrix tray 220 ma y receive up to four shim inserts with pockets ranging from one to eight pockets for each shim.

Materials are loaded into matrix trays 220 in advan ce with the specific materials required for assembl ing a component and product. Alternate embodiments may include matrix trays, for example, larger than matrix tray 220, capable of receiving a greater number of shim inserts w ith a greater n umber of pockets and a range of different sizes. Matrix tray 220 and insertable shims in FIG. 2 may be identified by assembler 228 du ring assembly using scanner 212 to scan and "read" a bar code affixed to or associated with matrix tray 220 and/or corresponding shims.

[0042] One or several power tools connected to computer device 206 may be used by assembler 228 to assemble a product. In some embodiments, a power tool such as a screw gun 230 provides o perational information to computer device 206 through sensors measuring torque, operating time, and other data relevant to the particular power tool. Computer device 206 compares the data received from the power tool with the data specified in the various assembly instructions for the product. For example, an assembly instruction may specify that screw gun 230 apply a specific amou nt of torque to a fastener attached to a component. If computer device 206 detects the torque level is incorrect, in some embodiments, computer device 206 prevents or stops assembler 228 from continuing until the torque level is corrected and the proper torque applied. Moreover, in some embodiments, a power tool may requ ire servicing or recalibration. if the operating time of a tool such as screw gun 230 has exceeded a predetermined time or operating interval th reshold. [0043] Some embodiments store all the assembly information remotely over network 222 usin g a network accessible server 224 and databases 226. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, databases 226 includes at least an ERP database 226a, an assembly sequence database 226b, an assembler train/certify database 226c, and an assembly record database 226d . ERP database 226a includes resource related data for all different aspects of manufacturing and product assembly. For example, the data in ERP database 226a may be u sed in some embodiments to determine if sufficient materials are available to complete a required number of assemblies.

[0044] In addition to materials, ERP database 226a has add itional resource information on trained assemblers qualified and ready to assemble specified materials into products. This additional resource information in ERP database 226a may be cross-referenced by those assemblers in assembler train/certify database 226c who have been trained to perform the assem bly of certain products. In some embodiments, assemblers may be initially qualified to assemble ce rtain products but over time may eventually need to be recertified and/or retrained. The time interval allowed between retraining may be shorter if the particular assembly sequence is complex and more critical , while a longer time interval between retraining may be allowed if the assembly sequence covers operations considered more routine and less critical to the overall assembly.

[0045] If assembler 228 is trained, assembly sequence database 226b provid es the sequence of assembly instructions to be followed when assembling a product. The workstation 124 presents instructions for assembling a produ ct using a variety of multimedia data displayed th rough a user interface on display device 214 and audio through audio speakers (not illustrated in FIG. 2). Likewise, the results of these assemblies are also recorded using a variety of multimedia a nd then stored in assembly record database 226d for future reference and potential auditing.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 3, a flowchart diagram illustrates the operations associated with generating a sequence of assembly operations to be processed by a computer directed assembly workstation . Initially, in some embodiments, a sequence of assembly operations is identified for combining material s into a component of the manufactu red product (302). In some embodiments, a

manufacture engineer or product designer also creates the sequence of assembly instructions during the design and development of the product. Over time, the sequence of assembly operations may be modified and refined to improve the product quality and reduce associated assembly time.

[0047] Each operation may further specify a predetermined pocket in a matrix tray for holding a material to be used when an assembler performs the sequence of assembly operations (304). In some embodiments, the matrix tray is adapted to receive insertable shims with different pocket sizes for holding various size materials. Different shims may be inserted into the tray to accommodate the assembly of different materials as used in the creation of various products.

Generally, the person creating the assembly operations also specifies the

configuration of the matrix tray including the number of insertable shims and associated pockets. Pockets in the shims are arra nged in a row and a colu mn "matrix" configuration, and a specific pocket may be used by referencing a row and column location on the overall matrix tray in accordance with some embodiments. For example, one matrix tray may be configured to receive four 2x2 shims each having 4 individual pockets, the 16 pockets in this embodiment would be addressed according to (X,Y) coordinates corresponding to the rows and colu mns of a 2x8 matrix. Materials placed in the predetermined pocket of a given matrix are generally taken from a Bill of Materials (BOM) stored in an enterprise database system, such as an ERP system, that manages inventory as products are

manufactured. In some embodiments, materials in each pocket are consumed or used by at least one assembly operation performed from the sequence of assembly operations. Since an exact amount of parts for an assembly should be placed in the matrix tray, left over parts in the matrix tray after assembly i ndicates that the product has likely been assembled incorrectly.

[0048] Next, in some embodiments, multimedia assembly data and related assembly instructions are generated for presentation through a user interface of a computer device (306). Multimedia assembly data may include a variety of images, video, text, and audio related to the materials, components, and final product being assembled and produced. Some embodiments of multimedia assembly data may include photos of specific fasteners or group of fasteners in the pocket of a matrix tray along with videos of the fasteners being inserted into a component of a product. Other embodiments of the multimedia assembly data may include images of wire materials held in a matrix tray along with additional images of the wires attached to an insertion point in the component of a product. In addition to images and videos, some embodiments of multimedia assembly data may further include displaying text on the user interface of the computer that the assembler can read and follow. Computer directed assembly operations delivered through a combination of text instructions, videos and images serve as a powerful guide for assemblers combining materials into a component and product in accordance with some embodiments.

[0049] In some embodiments, the assembly instructions may determine whether an assembly inst ruction requests a tool to combine materials with the component or product being assembled (308). If an assembly i nstruction does not request the use of a tool (308-No), the assembler may attach mate rials to a component directly with their hands. This might be preferred if hand-tightening a fastener or other material is preferred. Alternatively, the assembly i nstruction may request using a tool (308-Yes) if the tool would aide in performing the assembly quickly an d with a higher degree of accuracy and quality. For example, a power screwdriver designed in accordance with some embodiments having a built-in torque sensor is useful if an assembly instruction requires attaching multiple fasteners to a component at a predetermined torque. Manual tools such as screwdrivers and wrenches may also be used if sensors, such as the torque sensor, are not required or a fastener need not be attached as precisely as a pow er tool with sensors is capab le.

[0050] To guide in the use of these tools, the assembly instruction generated also provides mu ltimedia tool data on the user interface (310). Multimedia tool data may include a variety of images, video , text, and audio related to the power tools or manual tools and their use in attaching fasteners or other materials during the sequence of assembly operations. Some embodiments of multimedia tool data may include displaying a schematic image or photo of a tool along with a text descri ption of the tool on the user interface. The text description of the tool may also describe how the tool should be used to attach a fastener or material or which torque setting should be used when tightening the fastener. If the assembler needs even more detailed guidance on using a tool, predetermined audio describing the use of the tool may accompany the images, videos, and other multimedia tool data displayed on the user interface.

[0051] Next, the assembly instruction in accordance with some embodiments guides an assembler to perform the assembly operation that combines a material with a component used in creating a produ ct (312). In accordance with some embodiments, the assembly instruct ion guides the assembler to perform one assembly operation from a sequence of assembly operations for assembling a product. For example, one assembly instruction may instruct an assembler to attach multiple fasteners, such as several metal screws, from a first component to a second component of a product. In this example, the assembly instruction is used to complete the assembly operation associated with attach ing the first and second components together as one unit within the final product.

[0052] Next, the assembly instru ction in some embodiments may optionally include a verification operation to ensure materials and components are properly combined together during the assembly (314). An assembly instruction may further request verification that materials and components have been assembled together correctly (314-Yes). In some embodiments, the verification operation records mu ltimedia verification data associated with a material as it is combined with an in-use component of the finally assembled product (316) . As previously described, the in-use component is the portion of the product currently being worked on by the assembler. For example, one verification method includes recording images or video of the in-use component being assembled or worked upon by the assembler and then storing the results in an assembly database for later review and/or a nalysis. In an alternate approach to verification, the assembler places a wand having a colored tip or end near the portion of the in-use component being assembled as an image or video of the area is recorded by a camera associated with the workstation. In some embodiments, the area near the tip of the wand is further analyzed to determine if the assembler installed the materials in the correct area or portion of the in-use component. In yet another embodiment, computerized comparisons are performed of the images or videos of the in-use component being assembled with predetermined images, videos, and/or other multimedia data associated with a previously assembled component and materials.

[0053] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the assembly instruction does not include a verification operation and no verification operation is performed (314-No) When this occurs, (i.e., no verification operation is performed), the next assembly instruction in a sequence of assembly instructions is performed (304) and many of the above sequence of steps in the flowchart of FIG. 3 are repeated.

[0054] FIG. 4 provides a flowchart diag ram of the operations for specifying matrix trays and selectable in serts used with multimedia assembly data in some embodiments. To accommodate different materials during the assembly, the product designe r or manufacture engineer specifies a particular matrix tray design and the materials that should go in the pockets of the matrix tray (402). In some embodiments, the matrix tray is a combination of one or more interchangeable shim inserts tailored to the particular assembly being performed. Each

interchangeable shim insert has one or more pockets arranged in rows and columns for holding different size and quantities of materials to be used during the sequence of assembly operations.

[0055] Generating the multimedia assembly data begins by creating an image of the matrix tray holding the materials to be used by the assembler performing the sequence of assembly operations (404). In some embodiments, some of the pockets in the matrix tray hold materials while other pockets in the matrix tray are intentionally left empty. Next, the assembly instruction configures the user interface of the computer device to display the image of the matrix tray having materials stored in the various pockets (406). By displaying an image of the matrix tray and materials, the assembler can more readily locate the materials and perform the sequence of assembly operations. In some embodiments, highlighting a portion of the image of the matrix tray near the predetermined pocket containing the material also serves to assist in locating materials during the assembly process. For example, the portion of the image may be highlighted by further displaying a geometric shape, such as a square or circle, around the area of interest in the image of the matrix tray. Assembly instructions in some embodiments may also be configured to send a request through the user interface of the computer device asking the assembler to provide an indication of a pocket on an in-use matrix tray holding the material the assembler intends to use in conjunction with performing the at least one assembly operation. The in-use matrix tray is the tray the assembler is using for the current one or more assembly operations. For example, the assembler may use a wand with a colored tip and move the tip of the wand over the area of the in-use matrix tray where the materials to be used for the assembly are located.

[0056] In some embodiments, the assembly instruction may then instruct a camera associated with the assembler's workstation to acquire at least one image of the in-use matrix tray (408). The image taken of the in-use matrix tray in some embodiments should also include the indication from the assembler of the pocket on the in-use matrix tray holding the material to be used with the assembly operation. Image processing m ay be used in further embodiments to determine how much materials from the portion of the matrix tray have been used by the assembler and whether more materials are left. If the materials in the matrix tray are determined not to match the expected amounts, a warning may be displayed on the user interface of the workstation indicating that some type of error has occurred. Once the image has been processed, in some embodiments, the image of the in-use matrix tray is stored in an assembly record database creating a traceabl e record of the materials used in performing the assembly operation (410).

[0057] FIG. 5 is another flow chart diag ram outlining the training verification operations performed in accordance with some embodiments prior to prov iding an assembler authorization to perform an assembly operation. Training verification operations may be performed in addition to the operations associated w ith generating multimedia assembly data and assembly instructions in FIG. 3 at 306. In one embodiment, the training verification operations in FIG. 5 ensure that each person assembli ng a product (also referred to as an "assembler") has been properly trained and that products will be assembled properly with the highest quality and zero defects. Accordingly, an assembly instruction may specify a prerequ isite training sequence to be completed by each assembler before performing the instruction presented through the user interface of a workstation o r computer device ( 502). In some embodiments, the prerequisite training sequence is the identical sequence of actions for the particular asse mbly instruction and assembly operation. For example, if the assembly instruction is to install five (5) standoff screws in a printed circuit board the n the prerequisite trainin g sequence may be to perform the identical task of installing five (5) standoff screws in a printed circuit board with a power tool. Alternatively, similar tasks of installing three (3) or more standoff screws in a printed circuit board may also satisfy th e prerequisite training sequence for the assembly instruction .

[0058] Next, the assembly instruction may then request a trai ning history associated with an assembler from a training database that includes a set of training sequences performed by the assembler (504). In certain embodiments, a detailed history of the various skills amassed by each assembler is kept or stored in a training database. Some skills in the training database may be acquired when the assembler performs a trai ning exercise while other skills in the training database may result when the assembler performs other assemblies and task. In some embodiments, each assembly instruction may check the training database to determine whether the assembler is trained to perform the particular instruction or task. [0059] A determination is then made whether the training history associated with the assembler includes the specified prerequisite training sequence (506) . For example, the training history for the assembler may already in clude a task of installing five (5) standoff screws in a printed circuit board w ith a power tool.

Accordingly, in the event the assembler already meets the specified prerequisite training sequence (506-Yes), some embodiments will then authorize the assembler to perform the instruction displayed on the user interface and guide the assembler to combine the materials from a pocket in a matrix tray with the component (510). Alternatively, the assembler may be required to perform a prerequisite training sequence when the determination indicates that the assembler has not been trained with the prerequisite training sequence (506-No). If this occurs, the assembler must first perform the prerequisite training sequence before proceeding with the assembly instruction and further operations to assemble the product (508). Once the assembler performs the prerequisite training sequence, in certain embodiments, the assembler is then authorized to perform the instruction displayed on the user interface (510).

[0060] FIG. 6A schematically illustrates an exemplary computer-implemented user interface method for interacting with assembly operations in accordance with some embodiments. Areas displayed on the user interface assist and guide an assembler through the assem bly operations to create a manufactured product.

These areas include assembly build information a rea 604, in-use view area 606, text assembly instructions area 608, validation area 610, preassembled view area 612, tool area view area 614, a nd inventory area 616. [0061] Assembly build information area 604 of the user interface details information on the product being assembled an d the assembler cu rrently

performing the assembly on the workstation. In this example, assembly bu ild information area 604 provides a part number and details on the particular release and version of the part number. In addition, the person associated with assembling the particu lar product is identified as " Rob Jones". Details from assembly build information area 604 are permanently recorded in an assembly database along with other details associated with the assembly of the components and this produ ct.

[0062] In-use view area 606 is an area on the user interface that provides an image of an item the assembler is currently working on in conjunction with assembling the manufactured product. So me embodiments of the in-use view area 606 display live video recordings of the in-use item as the assembler positions the in-use item in front of a camera on the workstation and performs a task in accordance with one of the assembly instruction s. The in-use item may include one or any number of different items used by an assembler during the assembly. The in-use items in some embodiments may include a component making up a portion of the manufactured product, a matrix tray holding various materials, or a material , such as a fastener, to be attached to the component of the product being

assembled.

[0063] In some embodiments, live video displaying the in-use item being assembled may highlight a portion of the image to assist the assembler in performing an assembly instruction. For example, in-use view area 606 in FIG. 6A displays a component 606B lying on a workbench surface 606A ready for assembly. In this embodiment, a geometric shape such as rectangle highlight 606C overlays the image of component 606B and highlights where materials from a matrix tra y are to be attached. To further assist the assembler, text assem bly instru ctions area 608 includes a sequence of assembly i nstructions for the assembly of component 606B into a product. In reference to the area under rectangu lar highlight 606C, exemplary text assembly instructions specified in assembly instruction 608A directs the assembler to, "STACK TWO STANDOFFS TOGETHER AND THEN INSTALL INTO CONTROLLE R." Additionally, assembly instructions area 608 in FIG. 6 include a created-by-entry 608B that stores the name of the person who created the assembly instructions - in this case, a J.WOOLISCROFT - and an assembly instruction sequence counter 608C that indicates the current assembly instruction is 6 out of 23 instructions.

[0064] Preassembled view area 612 is an area on the user interface that provides an image of a preassembled item to guide the assem bler in the assembly of the manufactured product. The preassembled item is an exemplary component assembled correctly in advance by a skilled assembler and now can be used as a model or example for the assem bly of new items displayed in the in-use view area 606. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, preassembled view area 612 includes a matrix tray 612A assembled w ith insertable sh im 612F having two pockets with fasteners, insertable sh im 612G having twenty pockets with fasteners, and insertable shim 612J having twenty pockets with fasteners. As illustrated, a portion of matrix tray 612A also has an open area 612K that is holding a strap fastener 612H ready to be assembled into a component or product. [0065] Preassembled view area 612 further includes several other selectable views in addition to tray view 612B that include detail view 1 612C, detail view 2 612D and detail view 3 612E. In some embodiments, a portion of the preassembled item may be highlighted in preassembled view area 612 to help the assembler find a material or attach a material to the proper component. In one illustrated embodiment in FIG. 6A, matrix tray 612A has used rectangular high light 6121 to draw the attention to the location of the standoffs referenced in the sequence of assembly instructions 608A in the assembly instruction view a rea 608 as previou sly described. In general, the preassembled item may include a variety of different items including a matrix tray assembled w ith materials (such as matrix tray 612A), a product assembled with one or more components, a component assembled with one or more materials (such as component 612E), and materials to be attached to the at least one in-use item the assembler is cu rrently using (such as materials 612C). In accordance with some embodiments, the matrix tray 612A is one preassembled item having several insertable shims and numerous fasteners.

[0066] Tool view area 614 on user interface 600 provides an image of a tool as specified in the sequence of assembly instructions. The tool displayed in tool view area 614 is specified in the assembly i nstructions to assist the assembler in selecting the next tool to use in the subsequent steps in assembling the

manufactu red product. For example, assembly instructions specify wand 614A as the tool to be used by the assem bler to assist in verifying that an assembly instruction has been performed correctly. Other tools that may be specified to appear in tool view area 614 include manual tools and power tools as appropriate for the particular assembly. [0067] FIG. 6B illustrates an exemplary matrix t ray and insertable shims for holding materials in accordance with some embodiments. Unlike conventional material trays fixed in a single configuration, matrix tray 618 can be tailored to accommodate the size and number of materials required for each product. Different insertable shims allow both the size and the number of pockets in matrix tray 618 to change to provide su itable ca pacity, yet keep a common form factor for ease of handling and compatibility. Since the pockets in matrix tray 618 are kept in predetermined rows and columns, assembly instructions reference specific trays using a bar code of each tray and then a row/column (e.g ., (x,y) coordinates ) to address specific pockets in the tray. As an added benefit, this regular organization enables computers executing image processing routines to more easily recognize the pockets, and the materia ls kept in these pockets.

[0068] Database applications and embodiments may also identify and associate materials with assembly instructions as the assembly instructions are performed by the assembler. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment in FIG. 6B, each of the twenty (20) pockets from insertable shim 618C or 618E may be digitally identified with (x,y) coordinates or enumerated as pockets 0 through 19 by one or more database programs. In some embodiments, image processing routines may captu re images of matrix tray 618 du ring assem bly and quickly determine if the number of fasteners or other material for the assembly instruction are correct. To aid in further identification and automation, some embodiments may individually identify matrix tray 618 u sing a combination of one or several of a bar code (not shown), a QR code (not shown) or passive RFID technology attach ed to matrix tray 618(not shown). [0069] In illustration of one embodiment, a tray portion 618A of matrix tray 618 has been separated from insertable shims 618B, 618C, and 618E making apparent the flexibility and accompanying advantages of the design . Tray portion 618A in some embodiments has four (4) areas labeled I , II, III, and IV adapted to receive either an insertable shim or directly receive material. For example, since strap fastener 618F cannot be contained within an insertable shim, it is instead placed directly on the area of tray portion 618A labeled III. As illustrated, insertable shims 618B, 618C, and 618E may be replaced with different shims and inserted back onto tray 618A in different configurations as demanded by a different set of assembly instructions and specific product bein g manufactu red. In some embodiments, shims may include two (2) pockets such as with insertable shim 618B or twenty (20) pockets as exemplified by insertable shim 618C. Other shims may contain greater than two (2) pockets yet fewer than twenty (20) pockets ( not shown) with the exact number of pockets de pending on the size and quantity of the materials used by a particular assembly instruction or instruction s. Alternate embodiments may also include tray portions larger than tray portion 618A as illustrated in FIG. 6B and formed from different geometric shapes other than a rectangle or other

conventional geometries. It is also possible that a tray portion of a matrix tray h as greater than just the four (4) areas illustrated in tray portion 618A; indeed the size of the tray portion 618A may be larger or smaller depending on the size of materials being u sed and the application.

[0070] FIG. 7A and 7B illustrate a flowchart diagram of an exemplary operation associated with assembling materials into a component of a manufactured product. In some embodiments, these flowchart operations are performed on a workstation as an assembler performs an assembly sequence of instructions to create the manufactu red product. Initially, in some embodiments a training history is retrieved that is associa ted with an assembler selected to combine materials with a component of a manufactured product in accordance with a sequence of assembly operations (702). The training history may be stored in a training database that describes the experience and/or training that an assembler has achieved through a combination of training assemblies and experience assembli ng other components together into products.

[0071] Preferably, the assem bler selected to assemble the product is already sufficiently trained and competent to perform each instruction of the assembly sequence. To make this determination , embodiments of the present invention check if the training history for the assembler satisfies a prerequisite training sequence associated w ith the sequence of assembly instructions (704). In one exemplary embodiment, the prerequ isite training sequence may require the assembler to have experience or training installing a set of four standoffs with a power screwdriver before proceeding with the remaining instructions of the assem bly sequence. This specific experience must be acquired th rough training assemblies or practice assemblies before the assembler can make a production assem bly for shipment.

[0072] If the assembler's training history does not include sufficient experience (704-No), in certain embodiments, the assembler is gu ided through a prerequisite training sequence using trai ning multimedia data on a user interface of a computer device at an assembly workstation (706). In some embodiments, the assembler is required to perform the actions associated with the training using sample materials and a sample component. In some embodiments, training multimedia displayed on a user interface of the workstation includes images of the materials and

components being assembled and text assembly instructions to guide the assembler through the training.

[0073] Once the assembler has performed the prerequisite training sequence, in some embodiments, the training history of the assembler is updated to include the prerequisite training sequence and associated assembly performance details (708). In some embodiments, the assembler's training history is updated in a training database to include a speed and an accuracy with which the assembly was performed. Speed and accuracy information helps determine how quickly an assembler is likely to perform a sequence of assembly instructions and also how many products the assembler is capable of assembling over a period of time. This performance related information helps determine how to establish work schedules of people assembling certain products and meet product delivery goals. For example, if a product delivery must take place quickly and with high quality results and zero-defects then only people who have a history and are capable of

assembling the product meeting these constraints will be selected to assemble the product and fulfill the order.

[0074] If the assembler's training h istory does include sufficient experience (704- Yes), in some embodiments, assembly instructions are provided th rough the user interface to guide the assembler in combining materials with the component (710). To further assist the assembler, in some embodiments, specific materials stored in predetermine pockets of a matrix tray are identified using a variety of multimedia data and guidance is provided on assembling these materials with the component.

[0075] In some embodiments, assembly instructions determine whether a tool is used to combine materials with a component (712). If an assembly in struction does request using a tool (712-Yes), the assembler is presented with a variety of multimedia tool data th rough the user interface. The multimedia tool data gu ides the assembler in using the tool to perform a portion or all of the sequence of assembly instructions. In some embodiments, the tool multimedia data may be a single image of a tool, a video of the tool, or a combination of images and video along with instructions for using the tool to assist in performing the particular assembly instruction or instructions. For example, if the tool's usage is routine or typical then the multimedia tool data may only need to identify the tool using a single image displayed on the user interface. However, if the assembly i nstruction uses the tool in a more complicated manner, the multimedia tool data may in clude images and videos along with detailed instructions for using the tool.

[0076] In some embodiments, the assembly instruction may not request using a tool when the assembler can use their hands to perform an assembly or other task (712-No). For example, an assembly instruction may request that the assembler insert a wire connector with a grou p of wires into a connector receiver o n a printed circuit board. Referring to FIG. 7B, some embodiments may then determine if the assembly instructions should also be verified using one or more verification operations (716). In the event the assembler does not have to verify the assembly instruction (716-No), the above described steps in FIG. 7A starting with step 702 are repeated until all the assembly in structions for the product are completed.

[0077] Alternatively, some embodiments may indeed require a verification operation to ensure the assem bly instructions were performed correctly (714-Yes) . In some embodiments, the verification operation records verification multimedia data associated with combining the materials and the component (718). Once the assembler completes the assembly instruction or instructions, in certain

embodiments, an image or video of the in-use component being assembled is taken and stored in an assembly record database as a permanent record of the assembled component or product. In further embodiments, the verification operation may also request the user to point to or identify a location of the portion of the in-use component being assembled using a wand and then take the images or videos as a permanent record. In another embodiment, image processing functions are utilized on a workstation to compare the images of the in-use component with a

predetermined multimedia assembl y data showing a previously assembled component or product known to be assembled correctly and with a high quality.

[0078] In accordance with some embodiments, FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computer device 800 capabl e of creating and processing assembly instructions for guiding assemblers manu facturing products. Computer device 800 includes a memory 802, presentation device driver 804 coupled to a display device (not shown), a processor complex 806, secondary storage 808, network commu nication port 810 and I/O ports 812 coupled to a variety of different input-output devices over an intercon nect 816. In particular, processor complex 806 may be a single processor, multiple processors or multiple processor cores on a single die. It is contemplated that processor complex 806 represents the one or more computational units available in computer device 800. Further, input-output devices coupled to I/O ports 812 may include one or more of the following :

cameras, power tools, power tools with sensors, wands, scanners, keyboards, mice, any other peripheral device previously described in conjunction with FIG. 2, and other suita ble devices. Network communication port 810 may further include a WiFi, WiMAX or other connection to a network such as the Internet. Network communication port 810 may also include wired connections to the Internet using CAT 5/6, Fiber Channel or similar approaches.

[0079] In the illustrative e mbodiment in FIG. 8, memory 802 includes storage locations that are addressab le by the processor complex 806 and adapters for storing software program code and data . For example, memory 802 may include a form of random access memory (RAM) that is generally cleared by a power cycle or other reboot operation and classified as "volatile" memory. Processor complex 806 and variou s adapters may, in turn, comprise processing elements and logic circuitry configured to execute the software code and manipulate the data stored in the memory 802. In comparison, secondary storage 808 may be a form of non-volatile storage for storing a copy of run-time environment 826, applications and other data used by computer device 800. Alternatively, secondary storage 808 may include conventional magnetic tapes o r disks, optical disks such as CD-ROM, DVD, magneto-optical (MO) storage or any other type of non-volatile storage devices suitable for storing large quantities of data. These latter storage device types may be accessed locally through a direct connection to interconnect 816 or remotely in the "cloud" through network communication port 810 with an appropriate network protocol.

[0080] In some embodiments, memory 802 includes resource scheduler component 817, assembly instruction sequence component 818, tool usage component 820, material usage component 822, multimedia assembly/verify component 824, and run-time module 826. Assembly instruction sequence component 818 includes methods and systems for creating assembly sequences for combining materials, components, and parts into products as described previously in conjunction with FIG. 3 through FIG. 5. This assembly instruction sequence component 818 also processes these assembly instructions to guide and control assemblers creating products also as previously described in conjunction with FIGS. 7A-7B. Tool usage component 820 incorporates the creation and presentation of multimedia tool data on a user interface to also assist in guiding an assembler creating products. As previously described in conjunction with FIG. 6B, material usage component 822 includes data associated with the configuration of matrix trays, insertable shims, and the materials stored in these for the creation of different products. Multimedia assembly reco rd/verify component 824 includes images, video, data, and processes for verifying the assembly of products as also described in conjunction with at least FIGS. 2-4 and FIGS. 7A-7B. Lastly, memory 702 includes run-time environment 826 portions of which typically reside in memory and are executed by the processing elements. Run-time environment 826 may be based upon a general-purpose operating system, such as Linux, UNIX or Windows, the AppleOS or any other general-purpose operating system as well as mobile or embedded operating systems based upon Android, Blackberry, QNX, Apple iOS, and others as used in mobile phones, mobile devices, touchpads, or touchscreen-based computer systems.

[0081] FIG. 9A schematically il lustrates an overview of exemplary operations for determining a manufacturing capacity for a product in accordance with some embodiments. The manufacturing capacity represents the number of products or units a set of assemblers are capable of producing in a given time period. Some embodiments reference assembly sequence database 226b in FIG. 9A to obtain the list of assembly instructions necessary to create the product. The individual assembly instructions used to manufacture the product 904 are then used to locate an assembler 910 with proper assembly experience. Specifically, assembly instructions are cross-referenced with data in assembly record database 226D to produce a subset of assemblers that may be available to contribute to the manufacturing process. As a result, the assembler 910 selected to be part of the manufacturing capacity must be trained and experienced in performing each assembly instruction but may not have experience assembling the product of interest.

[0082] To assist in making a manufacturing capacity determination, an assembler's 910 individual performance 906 for each assembly instruction is obtained from assembly record database 226D. Individual performance information may be based upon historical assembly performance and/or training involving one or multiple assembly instructions used to make the product of interest or other products that collectively share the same assembly instructions 904. A resource scheduler may use further identify specific assemblers available during the time interval that are properly trained and ready to assist in the manufacturing.

Likewise, trained and experienced assemblers not available during the time interval are not considered and excluded by the resource scheduler in the manufacturing capacity determination . For example, a resource scheduler may reference a daily calendar for each individual assembler in a database to identify if they are available to work over a given two week period in correspondence with the time interval of interest. In some embodiments, the resource scheduler may suggest shifting the time interval forward, backwards, or segmenting the time interval into portions if the calendar information indicates more trained assemblers are available and such changes would increase the manufacturing capacity. Once the time interval is determined, a projection of an assembler's individual capacity to assemble th e product of interest is made using the historical performance data for each instruction in the assembly record database 226d . For example, historical performance data may indicate an assembler is capable of performing a set of 35 assembly instructions necessary to make a product at a frequency of 8 times each day. If the time interval spans a period of 5 business days, the individual capacity is projected as 40 units during the time interval. To generate the overall

manufacturing capacity, the projected individual capacity of each assembler in the set of assemblers 912 is aggregated over the production time interval.

[0083] As a further detailed description, a flowchart diagram in FIG. 9B provides exemplary operations for determining a manufacturing capacity in accordance with some embodiments. Generally, a scheduler system running on a computer system receives a request for a manufacturing capacity over a given production time interval. The request is typically for assembling a product created using a sequence of assembly instructions in a computer directed asse mbly syste m (914). In some embodiments, the time interval may be entered by an assembly man ager estimating the time frame for fulfilling an order for a customer. In other

embodiments, the time interval may be specified by the customer as the latest time frame that a given product may be delivered to fulfill their business requirements for the product.

[0084] Next, the scheduler system identifies a set of assemblers available during the production time interval that have been trained and have performed the sequence of assembly instructions associated w ith assembling the product (916). In some embodiments, the sequence of assembly instructions required to assemble the product is compared w ith corresponding records of assembly instructio ns performed in the assembly record database. A set of assemblers resulting from this comparison will have experience and/or training performing each of the assembling instructions for manufactu ring the product. Since a specific time interval on a calendar is also specified, the scheduler system further limits the set of assemblers to those assemblers specific ally available during the time interval. For example, a well-trained assembler on vacation during the specific time interval will be excluded from the manufactu ring capacity determination. However, the scheduler system may also suggest modifying the time interval by shifting th e time interval forward, backwards, or splitting the time interval into multiple time segments if such change would increase the manufactu ring capacity or have other beneficial effects.

[0085] Once a time interval is selected, the scheduler then projects an individual capacity for each assembler to perform the sequence of assembly instru ctions during the production time interval using historical assembly performance data for each assembler stored in an assembly reco rd database (918). The assembly record database includes historical performance data for every assembly instruction performed using the computer directed assembly syste m. For example, the historical performance data includes underlying data as well as statistical information on the time required by each assembler to complete each assembly instruction . Accordingly, the time required for an assembler to perform a sequence of the assembly instructions for a new product can be synthesized from the historical assembly performance data used by the assembler for performing each instruction separately.

[0086] To generate the manufacturing capacity, the scheduler system aggregates the projected individual capacity for each assembler to perform the sequence of assembly instructions over the production time interval (920). Before scheduling these assemblers, in some embodiments it is determined if limitations on supplies, equipment, and/or other resources may limit the manufactu ring capacity available from the set of assemblers (922). If there are limitations in supplies, equipment, and/or other resources (922-Yes), in some embodiments, the set of assemblers is reduced for a project until the reduced set of assemblers has sufficient supplies and equipment to perform u p to the manufacturing capacity (924). For example, if the manufacturing capacity were limited by the supplies and equipment, it is probable that many assemblers would not be able to assemble the projected number of products and the manufacturing capacity would be inaccu rate. By reducing the number of assemblers, the manufactu ring capacity may be reduced but there will not be an excess number of assemblers committed to the project. Conversely, if supplies, equipment, and/or other resources are not limited (922-No) then the scheduler system may tentatively (or actually) schedule the identified set of assemblers during the production interval provided the supplies and equipment necessary to meet the manufacturing capacity have been secured (926).

[0087] While examples and implementations have been described, they should not serve to limit any aspect of the present invention. Accordingly,

implementations of the invention can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them.

Apparatus of the invention can be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in a machine readable storage device for execution by a programmable processor; and method steps of the invention can be performed by a programmable processor executing a progra m of instructions to perform functions of the invention by operating on input data and gen erating output. The invention can be implemented advantageously in one or more computer programs that are executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transm it data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least on e output device. Each computer program can be implemented in a high level procedural or object oriented programming language, or in assembly or machine language if desired; and in any case, the language can be a compiled or interpreted language. Suitable processors include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read only memory and/or a random access memory. Generally, a computer will include one or more mass storag e devices for storing data files; such devices include magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto optical disks; and optical disks. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying co mputer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and remova ble disks; magneto optical disks; and CD ROM disks. Any of the foregoing can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs.

[0088] While specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the above- described implementations, but instead is defined by the appended claims in light of their full scope of equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A computer-implemented method of determining a manufacturing capacity for a product created using a computer directed assembly system, the method comprising:

requesting a manufacturing capacity over a production time interval for assembling the product, wherein the product is assembled using a sequence of assembly instructions from the computer directed assembly syste m;

identifying a set of assemblers available during the production time interval that have been trained and have performed the sequence of assembly instructions associated with assembling the product while using the computer directed assembly system;

projecting an individual capacity for each assembler in the set of assemblers to perform the sequence of assembly instructions during the production time interval using historica l assembly performance data for each assembler stored in an assembly record database; and

generating the manufacturing capacity by aggregating the projected individual capacity for each assembler to perform the sequence of assembly instructions over the production time interval.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising :

scheduling the identified set of assemblers during the production time interval once the set of assemblers has secured sufficient supplies and equipment to perform up to the manufacturing capacity.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising :

reducing the set of assemblers for a project until the reduced set of assemblers has sufficient supplies and equipment to perform up to the

manufacturing capacity.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the computer directed assembly system stores detailed performance information in the assembly record database for each assembly instruction performed by an assembler when training and performing each of the assembly instructions.

5. A computer program product for determining a manufacturing capacity for a product created using a computer directed assembly system, tang ibly stored on a computer readable medium, comprising instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to:

request a manufacturing capacity over a production time interval for assembling the product, wherein the product is assembled using a sequence of assembly instructions from the computer directed assembly syste m;

identify a set of assemblers availa le during the production time interval that have been trained and have performed the sequence of assembly instructions associated with assembling the product while using the computer directed assembly system; project an individual capacity for each assembler in the set of assemblers to perform the sequence of assembly instru ctions during the production time interval using historical assembly performance data for each assembler stored in an assembly record database; and

generate the manufacturing capacity by aggregating the projected individual capacity for each assembler to perform the sequence of assembly instructions over the production time interval.

6. The computer program product of claim 5 further comprising instructions that when executed, cause a programmable processor to:

schedule the identified set of assemblers during the production time interval once the set of assemblers has secured sufficient supplies and equipment to perform up to the manufacturing capacity.

7. The computer program product of claim 5 further comprising instructions that when executed, cause a programmab le processor to:

reduce the set of assemblers for a project u ntil the reduced set of assemblers has sufficient supplies and equipment to perform up to the manufacturing capacity.

8. The computer program product of claim 5 wherein the computer directed assembly system stores deta iled performance information in the assembly record database for each assembly instruction performed by an assembler when training and performing each of the assembly instru ctions.

9. An apparatus for determining a manufacturing capacity for a product created using a computer directed assembly system, the apparatus comprising: a processor capable of executing instructions; and

a memory holding instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to:

identify a set of assemblers availa ble during the production time interval that have been trained and have performed the sequence of assembly instructions associated with assembling the product while using the computer directed assembly system;

project an individual capacity for each assembler in the set of assemblers to perform the sequence of assembly instru ctions during the production time interval using historical assembly performance data for each assembler stored in an assembly record database; and

10. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising instructions that when executed by the processors, causes the processor to:

11. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising instructions that when executed by the processors, causes the processor to:

reduce the set of assemblers for a project until the reduced set of assemblers has sufficient supplies and equipment to perform up to the manufacturing capacity.

12. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the computer directed assembly system stores detailed performance information in the assembly reco rd database for each assembly instruction performed by an assembler when training and performing each of the assembly instructions.